Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon novel Chapter 296

"Kane," he called out. "A word?"

I waited as he closed the distance between us, bracing myself for the lecture I knew was coming. It was always the same—responsibilities, duties, the weight of the pack resting on my shoulders.

"What is it?" I asked, striving to keep my tone neutral. He studied me intently, his piercing gaze searching for something—weakness, perhaps, or defiance.

"I've heard about the incident with Connie."

"I'll handle it," I sighed, rolling my eyes despite myself.

"See that you do. The pack can't afford any internal conflicts right now." He nodded slowly. I paused, a bitter laugh threatening to escape.

"So we are clear... Do you want me to scold my mate or defend her to Adam?"

"You will lead this pack one day. I trust you to make the right decision." He raised an eyebrow.

"Understood," I replied curtly. But inside, frustration simmered. My father's idea of leadership was so different from mine. To him, it was about maintaining control, appearances, and traditions—no matter who got trampled in the process. To me, it was about doing what was right, even if it meant challenging the status quo.

"I know things are complicated," he continued, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder. A surge of irritation shot through me. His touch felt more like a shackle than a gesture of support. Part of me wanted to shrug him off, to tell him that his way of leading was outdated and blind to the real issues tearing our pack apart.

"Yes, Alpha," I managed to say through clenched teeth.

He gave me a tight-lipped smile before turning back toward the house. I watched him go, the weight of his expectations pressing down like a crushing force.

Alone again, I wandered toward the edge of the woods. The morning sky was overcast, thick clouds blotting out the sun and casting everything in a dreary grey light. I stopped by my usual old oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching upward like skeletal fingers.

"Maybe it's time we accept things as they are; leave Lottie in the safety of her brothers." I whispered into the quiet.

"To deal with our mate," I replied.

"Which one?" he questioned, a hint of teasing in his tone.

"Both," I stated resolutely. "It's time to face this head-on."

"Well, maybe we should put some clothes on first, huh?" He chuckled softly. I glanced down, realising I'd been standing there completely bare since shifting back.

"Good point." A wry smile tugged at my lips for the first time in what felt like ages. Turning toward the house, I quickened my pace. There was much to do, and no time to waste. No matter the obstacles, I was determined to reclaim what was lost—to heal the fractures in my life and reunite with the one who held my heart.

Because without Lottie, I was incomplete. And I wasn't ready to accept a life without her in it.